Oh so sweet newborn baby smiles are truly the best! And while experts and physicians will often attribute a newborn smile to gas (boo-hoo), they will still pull at your heartstrings none-the-less. And while I can’t guarantee a smile during your newborn photo session, I’ve been fortunate enough to capture a lot of them in my photography career, because it’s not all luck – there is definitely some skill involved.
1. Patience is a Virtue
I know, I know… we’ve all heard this before. But it’s very true. In order for a newborn to smile, your little darling must be completely relaxed. Baby smiles only happen when they are super sleepy and at complete ease.
2. Watch for R.E.M. (not the band)
R.E.M. is an acronym for Rapid Eye Movement. It’s pretty easy to spot when it’s happening. Your baby will be completely relaxed and appear to be in a dream like state. Your baby will also begin to breath much heavier. It’s a delicate balance at this point because your baby can be easily woken, but this is often the time when they start smiling the most and I’m ready to click away!
3. Tickles, Whispers & Snuggles from Mommy
Sometimes my voice will do the trick, but often I need reinforcement from mommy. Babies know mommy’s voice best and they react to it. During R.E.M. I’ll have mom whisper to her baby or very softly caress her baby’s cheeks – this almost always stimulates a smile. This can happen while I have your baby all snug in a prop or when mom is holding her baby. And the experts call it gas – to that I say, HA!
I may be a bit biased, but I feel capturing your newborn baby is such an important milestone to have documented by a professional – just as important as your wedding day (maybe more). A true professional who specializes in newborn photography will take the time throughout the entire process to make sure everything goes smoothly, so you’re left with a great overall experience and breathtaking images. An investment in baby portraits is something you will love and cherish immediately after you’ve received them, but it’s something that will grow in value as they grow.
You will love your portraits today. Imagine how much you’ll love them when your baby is starting kindergarten and then graduating from college.
There are few investments that appreciate in value – this is one of them.
You may be lucky enough to get two smiles…
And sometimes even three smiles!
Lauren Michelle is a photographer specializing is newborns, babies and family portraiture located in Hudson, OH. We love beautiful simplistic sessions, focusing on a natural environment and moments. Styled sessions are so exciting! We are so thrilled when we can stylize a session and enter the imagination of your child’s world and bringing it to life.
Natalie Gartner is the stylist and owner of Little Miss Party Planner, an event planning, design, coordinating and styling team that will thoughtfully put together every aspect of your event.
Whether it’s a Styled Session or Simple Session, we’d love to create the session of your dreams. Please contact us HERE.
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